You will often find peptides listed as ingredients in skin care products, but what they actually are can get lost in science jargon, and if they aren’t used properly, they won’t work at all. They’re a really incredible part of a good skincare routine, so we’ve got the scoop for you on what these little guys are and how they work!

What they are:
Simply put, peptides are amino acids – the protein that holds your skin together. Your skin produces them naturally, and they play a big part in your skin’s healing, renewal, and collagen production processes. They can also be made synthetically and used to help maintain beautiful skin throughout your years.

How they work:
As we age, collagen is lost, but is not replaced at the same rate as during our youth. Peptides tell your skin to produce more collagen. That’s right, you can help replace lost collagen! Peptides naturally form when collagen breaks down in your body, and they alert your skin that it was damaged. This signals skin to create new collagen. So, when we apply additional peptides through a skincare product, they “communicate” with the skin to increase collagen production.

Where to look for them:
Our Sea Radiance Rapid Eye Lift is a great example of a product using peptides to work wonders on the areas of our skin that so desperately need repair. Peptides are unstable, and need to be delivered in a very specific formula in order for your cells to receive them before they break down and have no effect. It is especially crucial to look for these products in airless containers, like our eye cream’s airless tube! (Jar containers are peptides’ worst enemy!)

We want to know your experience with your newfound, peptide-rich skin routine! We’re @SeaRadianceSkin on Twitter and we can’t wait to hear from you!